Pitt's Public Impact

Pitt is an engine for lifelong learning and workforce development

The University of Pittsburgh contributes to the well-being of Pennsylvania and communities beyond. 

One of the ways the University does this is by being an engine for lifelong learning and workforce development, creating opportunities for Pennsylvanians to learn and grow, through K–12 enrichment, workforce development, and programs fostering personal and professional advancement. 

To share an Impact Activity, have a story told, or ask a question about Public Impact, contact Pitt External Relations at PublicImpact@pitt.edu. 

By the numbers
1 in 31
employees in Pennsylvania is a Pitt graduate
1,417
active Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Pitt members
800
students enrolled in the Master of Data Science program, aiming to upskill and reskill workers
drone image of hazelwood

How Pitt is preparing Greater Hazelwood residents for emerging life sciences jobs

Pitt’s Neighborhood Commitment in Greater Hazelwood is launching the Life Sciences Bridge Program, a paid 50-hour job readiness program that introduces young adults living in the Pittsburgh neighborhood to entry-level roles in the life sciences.

Read more in Pittwire
More lifelong learning and workforce development
tim allen teaches an olli course
OLLI marked 20 years of promoting lifelong learning, thanks to instructors like Tom Allen

Before the former lawyer began teaching some of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s most popular offerings on legal issues and current events, he was a student of the program.

Read more in Pittwire
a man looking into a microscope with two people standing behind him
Pitt’s School of Education is leading a new life sciences workforce training program

New skills, credentials and career pathways are needed to prepare the thousands of workers who will soon join this emerging industry in Western Pennsylvania.

Read more in Pittwire
a high school student standing in front of a small blue airplane
College in High School chemistry classes launched Montour High School alumni's careers

CHS equips high school instructors to teach Pitt classes in their own classrooms for both high school credit and full University of Pittsburgh credit.

Read more
Explore CHS
Dental Assistant Training Program can serve as a foundation for future career growth

The nine-month training program is completed in a student's community.

Explore the program
Investing Now supports pre-college students in STEAM

The college preparatory program supports and recognizes the high academic performance of students from groups that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics majors and careers.

Explore Investing Now
Pittsburgh Admissions Collaboration provides pathway to admission to the Community College of Allegheny County and Pitt

Students in 9th-12th grade at Allderdice, Sci-Tech, University Prep Milliones, and Westinghouse Academy are eligible to participate in PAC programming.

Explore PAC
Pittsburgh Public Scholars expands access to higher education in Pittsburgh

All valedictorians and salutatorians in Pittsburgh Public Schools system are guaranteed admission to one of Pitt's five campuses. 

Explore Pittsburgh Public Scholars
Pitt faculty guide young scientists during UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center Academy

Hillman Academy is a competitive, eight-week summer program that introduces young students to scientific research. 

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Gene Team fosters students engaging in cutting-edge biological research and provides college preparatory mentoring

Students who want to learn more about biology while developing laboratory skills will be immersed in a current research project from a Pitt lab during the 4-week program.

Explore Gene Team
Technology Leadership Initiative provides underserved students in grades 6-12 with opportunities and tools to pursue computer science-related degrees

Currently, this free program serves about 80 middle school and high school students each summer.

Explore TLI
Building a code-smart community where every child can learn the basics of coding

CODE 4 STEM Academy works in collaboration with schools, parents and community partners toward improved engagement and outcomes in STEM learning.

Explore CODE 4 STEM
College of General Studies provides certificate programs

Many certificates offer flexible pathways, allowing you to apply earned credits toward a future degree as you explore your interests or advance your career.

Explore certificate programs
Summer Science and Math Experience inspires middle school students

Students use inquiry-based, hands-on learning techniques to explore biology, chemistry, math, and other areas related to the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Explore the experience
High schoolers explored global solutions through the Governor’s School partnership with Open Lab

Using Pitt’s makerspace resources, students from across Pennsylvania created projects addressing complex global challenges like fast fashion and misinformation.
 

Read more in Pittwire

Ready to work together? Start with these collaborators

Educational Outreach Center
Gismondi Neighborhood Education Program
Pymatuning Lab of Ecology K-12 field trips
Allegheny Observatory K-12 STEAM programs
Explore these collaborators and more